The right man in the right place at the right time

 

LIMAVADY BAPTIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 17 MARCH 2024 – MR JOHN WEIR

READING: ACTS 9 VERSES 1 – 2

The right man in the right place at the right time

 

The conversion of Saul of Tarsus changed Christianity for ever.  We have read of his conversion.  His life was changed.  Paul’s conversion is recorded 3 times in the book of Acts – here in verseS 1 to 9, Acts 22 and Acts 26.  He was never the same again.  Every conversion is a miracle.  Before conversion we were dead in our trespasses and sins blinded by the god of this world then we heard the message of the gospel.  We were changed, saved and filled with God’s spirit, ready for heaven and home.  Maybe we have been saved at a young age, some saved from a life of alcoholism, some from the church pew, some from a false cult, others on their death bed.  Others were saved simply by reading the word of God.  There are many ways to come to the Saviour but it is most important to get there and to come to know the Lord as Saviour.  Thank the Lord for all he has done in your life.  Paul was on the religious road.  Christianity was a dangerous sect to him, he wanted to eliminate them all.  What was the motto of his life after his conversion?  “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  Is that the motto of your life today?  It was said of Wesley’s converts “they died well”.  How time is so short.  The weeks, months, years will go so quick – let’s live the way Paul lived. 

 

In Acts 9 we read of another man, Ananias of Damascus.  There are tremendous lessons we can learn from his life.  An ordinary disciple who the Lord used in a tremendous way.  God delights in using people in the background.  The Lord knew their heart and motives.  Think of the young maid in Naaman’s house, the lad with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes, the woman who married 5 times, David the shepherd boy, Gideon who said he was the least of his fathers house.  1 Corinthians 1 verse 27.  Ananias was the right man in the right place at the right time.

 

The character of Ananias – verse 10.  He was a follower of Jesus, part of the local church.  We don’t read how he came to faith.  An ordinary disciple.  He was not introduced as a great pastor or theologian or missionary just a “certain disciple”.  It is amazing in the book of Acts how God’s people are described. The word “disciple” is used in verses 1, 10, 19, 25, 26, 36 and 36.  “Those of the way” is used in Acts 9 verse 2.  The word “saints” is used in verses 13, 32, 41.  There is also the word “brethren” in verses 17 and 30.  The term “Christian” is not used until Acts 11 verse 26.  Whatever title you want to use – count it a privilege to serve the Lord, to identify with him.  Never be ashamed of the Lord Jesus.  Many are caught up with titles and importance today.  “He made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men.”  ‘A little servant  of an illustrious master’ is how Hudson Taylor described himself.  Ananias was happy to serve the Lord in the background.  His name means favoured of the Lord.  There are 3 Ananias’ in the New Testament.  We have Ananias and Sapphira, then here there is Ananias of Damascus and in chapter 23 Ananias the priest.  He is never mentioned like Paul, Peter or James but the Lord had a plan for his life.  A special job for him to do.  We are all different personalities, implements.  We have different things going on in our lives.  God can use us in an individual way.  God knew where to find Ananias.  God speaks to him in a vision.  He could trust him with the task ahead of him.  When we spend time with the word of God, God speaks to us, instructs and guides us.  When we spend time with God each day it is important to take time to read the word of God, to pray and spend time with him.  To get alone with the Lord is so important.  Verse 10 “behold I am here Lord.”  He was open to God’s call on his life.  If the Lord asked you to do something would you do it?  Maybe it will be outside of your comfort zone?  Ananias was familiar with the Old Testament because that is how Abraham replied “here am I”.  Samuel also did it as did Isaiah.  Maybe you could make yourself available for the master’s service.  “Here is my life I am willing to do whatever you want me to do.”  Acts 22 verse 11 in Paul’s testimony we read more of Ananias.  Read verses 12 to 16.  In verse 12 he is described.  He had a good testimony.  This is the type of people we need in the Christian church.  He walked with the Lord.  He was well respected.  Can people say that of us?  There are many who profess to be Christian but they let the Lord down – in business, in the work place, in the church.  Your testimony and mine is the most valuable thing we have.  It tells people that there is something different about us.

 

The commission of Ananias – verse 11.  He is given a special job, specific instructions.  The exact street and house he is told to go to.  God said to Ananias “arise and go.”  There is no delay.  Has the Lord ever told you to “arise and go”?  If the Lord gives you a job to do arise and go.  Don’t put it off.  The Lord wants obedient and willing servants.

 

The courage of Ananias – verses 13 and 14.  Ananias was afraid. He needed wisdom, courage  It could have been a trap.  He could have been on Paul’s hit list.  He knew all about his past sins and reputation.  Verse 15.  The Lord reassures his servant.  The Lord still does that today.  The Lord often does that with us.  God wants obedient servants.  Paul would suffer many things but he was a chosen vessel.  Many suffer for their faith.  They are giants in our lives.  They have difficult lives but are used by God.  God told Paul “my grace is sufficient for thee.”  God will get us through.  Soon it will be all over, all the pain you are battling with will be all over, you will spend eternity with him.  Verses 17 and 18.  He called him “Brother Saul”.  He didn’t bring up his sins or things from the past.  He was filled with the Spirit and baptised.  Can we thank the Lord for the Ananias of Damascus people in our lives?  Can you point to an Ananias in your life?  We didn’t understand the great doctrines of the bible but there was someone who sat beside us, encouraged us, prayed for us, welcomed us into the flock.  We never read of Ananias again but he was obedient.  Ananias was the right man in the right place at the right time.